Day 21 post-op, update

[vangirl]

Well fellow bandsters, I am on day 21 post-op, which means tomorrow I can start solid foods! I'm happy about this, but also cautious. I have a long work day ahead of me (which is all people-oriented, so I can't afford anything embarrassing to happen), so I've decided to go with liquids all day until I get home, and then have something solid. People have asked me what I want for my first meal, and I honestly don't know. I keep thinking about a burger, which I've fantasized about since I started the pre-op diet, but most likely I will go for something easy like oatmeal, and maybe a piece of cheese. I'm going to be careful the first few days.

My weight loss has been slow (in my view, relative to others), but I have lost about 9lbs post-op. I'm ok with this. As long as the scale keeps going down I'm happy.

Painwise, things are a LOT better. It's amazing, especially when reading others' experiences on here at pre-op or 4 or 10 days post-op to see how quickly I have moved from where I was at earlier stages in this process. If I have any advice to give to people who are at an earlier stage than I am, it would be, whatever it is that you are struggling with, whether it is pain or gas, it does get better! I found the biggest improvement in the pain happened from day 10 onward. Now, I mostly feel a soreness in my abdomen (mainly my port area), which is most pronounced when I'm getting up from a sitting position or when rolling over from one position to the other when sleeping. Still unable to sleep on my stomach, except sort of on my right side, and for a limited time. So sleep is not that great right now. But everything is slowly improving, and I'm looking forward to the next stage!

-vangirl

[tnm75]

It sounds like you're doing great! You'll have to let us know what you end up eating. I'm thinking scrambled eggs on day 22... beyond that, I don't know. Like you, a burger sounds yummy!

Kristy

[JazzyJude]

YAY! You graduated from "Bandster Hell!! YOU did it...LOL! Glad to kept us posted on how you are doing...job well done!

OK, we ALL say the same thing about 'being cautious', 'what to eat first' and just plain scared to think your upper pouch is boing to bust or something. This is all normal and once you start to 'eat food', you will know what to do. The most important thing to remember is PORTION CONTROL. You have NO restriction whatsoever. BUT, you've been 'drinking' your meals, so your stomach have shrunk a bit. The KEY is to make sure you MEASURE your food, 2-3 oz (1/2 to 1/3 cup) protein (meat/fish/poultry/cheese/eggs), 1/4 cup veggie/fruit, and 1/4 cup grain/starch/carbs (rice/potatoes/pasta/bread) per meal, 3 times a day, and between 1000 and 1200 calories a day. If you do regular, darily exercises, then up your calories to 1500. I use my measuring cups and food scale EVERY DAY, so I wouldn't take any 'extras'.

Everyone is going to suggest what kind of foods to eat...but personally, I prefer the gradual effect. I started off with soft foods and then progress up. I experiment with MY body...and at the same time to make sure I get my protein intake between 60 - 90 grams daily. I had an one egg omelet with real bacon pieces and grated cheddar cheese and salsa. For lunch I couldn't wait for Taco Bell's pinto beans and cheese and for dinner I finished off the Cream of Potato and Cheddar Cheese soup WITH the potato chuncks! Yeah!...It was worth the wait believe me! So use your judgement. Remember, EAT your food, don't continue with the liquid stages on a daily basis and eventually you will succumb to hunger and will eat anything you can get your hands on, without thinking of the consequences. Be prepared and make your weekly menus ahead of time, which I do every Sunday like clockwork...

Do yourself a favor. This is your new life we are talking about and make it fun and enjoyable as much as possible. Get yourself a GOOD set of child's plate setting ~ plate, bowl, and cup. To make sure I am starting healthier eating habits with taking small bites, chewing real good and eating slowly, I started off using my daughter's baby fork and spoon, then graduated to the adult's salad fork and teaspoon and now I am using a regular adult fork but still using a teaspoon for the soups, chili, and stew. I also have a real nice tea cup and saucer and a 'comfy' mug that holds ONE cup of hot cocoa, warm water or milk, and hot tea. I use my nice tea cup and saucer for the evenings and use the saucer for my fruit and cheese as my 'treat'. These things are MY rewards and I AM WORTH IT! I can still have some elegance in my own company and feel special.

((HUGS!)) to you babe!

[jhawkchick75]

Ditto to what Jude said. It stinks because rarely does anyone have restriction after their first fill. Some do those lucky ducks but most don't so portion control is the key! It's time to practice what it will be like when you are tighter - eat very small bites and chew like crazy.

One thing that is really nice for me is that I chew so much and it takes me so long to eat that by the time i'm halfway through my food it's cold and doesn't really taste that good. Also, it makes eating a heck of a lot more work and not as fun!

In the past, I would inhale my food so fast and I would feel sick afterwards. That is because by the time I felt the fullness it was way too late. Now, I eat so slow I recognize when i'm full and it hits so much earlier because the 21 days shrunk my stomach.

Unfortunately everyone's bodies are different - I hear some say no chicken, some do fine. I hear some say no bread - some do fine. As long as you are eating slow, small bites, and doing your portions right you will be fine.

Good luck and let us know what you have! Mine was ravioli.